Board of Control for Cricket in India President N. Srinivasan "is a man of few words," but he "dwelt in detail about the issues facing Indian cricket," according to Vijay Tagore of the MUMBAI MIRROR. Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Your powers have been restored, what are your immediate plans?
Srinivasan: We have a clear task -- to administer and develop the game of cricket, look after the interests of the BCCI, improve infrastructure, and implement policies to encourage strong bench strength.
Q: There has been administrative vacuum for some time. Did the work get affected?
Srinivasan: That is not for me to answer.
Q: India's tour of South Africa surely got affected...
Srinivasan: The South Africa tour is an issue we're going to discuss. The president of the Cricket South Africa is coming to India. There are some challenges which we will discuss with the CSA officials.
Q: BCCI has not made comments on the SA tour but the general perception is that it got complicated because of Haroon Lorgat's appointment as CSA's CEO.
Srinivasan: I don't know what to say -- who is appointed the CEO of SA board is their business. How can we have a view? That is not the issue. There are some challenges which need discussion.
Q: There are reports that you were personally opposed to Lorgat's appointment.
Srinivasan: Do you really believe that I'll tell CSA who to appoint as its CEO?
Q: No. You are said to have told them who not to appoint.
Srinivasan: I've been quoted out of context.
Q: Given that the IPL scandal happened under presidentship, can you be absolved of the blame?
Srinivasan: Blame is a strong word. As I said earlier, I stand by what I do. Repeated attempts to get me to make a comment in an area that is sub judice are uncalled for.
Q: Are you comfortable with the panel formed by the SC?
Srinivasan: It is not a question of my comfort. I respect the SC order and I will follow whatever direction is given to me (MUMBAI MIRROR, 10/12).
